Flying for the first time: What to expect and how to prepare

Flying on an aeroplane often evokes a myriad of emotions – especially for first-time flyers. While the excitement of your next destination looms, getting there can be stressful and overwhelming. Not to worry, because we are here to give you the inside scoop from a flight attendant to make flying for the first time a breeze.  

You’ve booked your next adventure, but now what? Getting ready for your first time flying starts at home. Here are some steps to ensure you’re well prepared to help ease the stress of travel:  

1. Look up the required documents needed for your travel destination

A quick Google search of “I have a ______ passport and am traveling to ______ what are the entry requirements I need” should give you all the information you need (or you can use our extra handy map!). Click on the official government website that comes up and be sure to thoroughly read what is required for entry. Obtain any necessary visas or documents needed before travel.  

2. Check the weather forecast

This step seems obvious, but it’s one that if skipped can lead to over packing or being underprepared. This simple step can ensure you pack efficiently. Every airline has size and weight restrictions for baggage so be sure to check your airline’s website for specific baggage allowance restrictions. These two bits of information are the ultimate key to ensure the baggage check-in process goes smoothly. But how do I fit everything I want to bring in a carryon bag and a personal item? Well that brings us to step number 3… 

3. Pack efficiently

So you’re going somewhere cold and no idea how to fit all your bulky, cold weather items in one bag? You’re going somewhere warm, but want to have a different outfit for every occasion? Luckily it is possible to become Mary Poppins and magically fit everything you need into one carry-on bag and a personal item; you just need a little magic.

1. First things first, count how many days you’ll be travelling for and break it up into travel days and excursion days. This will help you figure out how many outfits of each category you need.  

2. Next, lay out all the outfits you think you might want to wear; separated into two piles: excursion days and travel days and then organise a second time by clothing type (i.e. shirts, trousers, outerwear, etc.). 

3. Then, try to eliminate 1/3 of each pile. Sounds daunting, but I promise it won’t cut down on the number of outfits you have. How is this possible? Well, I told you, magic. The magic of mixing and matching, that is. Packing items that can be worn multiple ways, dressed up or down, and layered for various weather conditions is key. So you have 3 outerwear items packed? You only need 2. Figure out which one is the least versatile and add it to the discard pile. So you have 7 pairs of trousers? You only need 5. Which 5 pairs of trousers can be worn more ways and match more tops? So you have 8 swimsuits packed, cut it down to 6. It’s okay to wear one twice.  

4. Once you’ve edited your outfits down into the essentials don’t forget to pack the most essential part of your wardrobe: undergarments. Luckily this part should be easy, no need to cut down the number of underwear you bring. Just count how many days you’ll be gone and add 2 (just incase).  

5. Next up: toiletries. Most airport security around the world has strict liquid restrictions so be sure to transfer any large liquids to travel-sized containers that you can easily find at your local grocery/convenience store.  

6. Now that you’ve set aside what you’re bringing let’s fit it all in your carry-on bag and personal item.

• Put any item you’ll need during flight in your personal item that will fit underneath your seat during flight. This will save you the effort of opening the overhead bin and disturbing your neighbours during flight. Items you might need during flight: headphones, charger, wallet, toiletries, a reusable water bottle to fill up at the airport before your flight, snacks, gum to help keep your ears from popping on takeoff and landing, any electronics you want to bring, things to keep you busy during the flight, one full outfit (undergarments included), a pen to fill out any customs forms, and of course your passport and any visas required for travel.  
• Put the rest of your items in your carry-on bag. Rolling clothes helps save space and organizing your clothes by pants, shirts, etc. helps you find things with ease.  
• Wear your bulkiest shoes and clothing items for your travel days. Planes tend to be cold so wearing layers helps you stay comfortable on long flights and helps save space in your luggage.  

PS. We’d also invest in packing cubes – super handy travel companions. Now that you’re all packed and ready to go and you’ve triple checked you have your passport, required visas, and/or valid ID what’s next?  

4. Checking in for your flight online

Most airlines have an app you can download in your phone’s app store for free which allows you to check in for your flight and get updated flight information. If you opt to download the app (which I recommend), as early as 24 hours before your flight departs you can check in for your flight. If you choose not to download the app you can also check in as early as 24 hours prior to departure on your airline’s website.  

Some airlines assign boarding zones and seats based on who checks in first, so setting an alarm to check in right at 24 hours before departure time might get you extra perks onboard depending on what airline you’re travelling with. After checking in you should receive a boarding pass for your flight. I recommend screenshotting a picture of it in case the Wi-Fi or phone service is spotty at the airport.   

5. Conquering the airport

Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to departure time. This will give you time to check any bags, get through security, and have time to get to your gate in a timely manner. Check out this article on navigating the airport by yourself for more detailed tips on the check-in process, navigating security, and finding your gate.  

Once you’ve found your gate, look at the time. If you have some time before boarding, use this time to fill up that reusable water bottle you packed, use the toilet, and buy any last-minute snacks at the airport convenience stores. Just keep an eye out on the time and make sure you’re back to your gate in time for boarding.

6. Getting onboard the aircraft

You’ve found your gate, got your boarding pass, required travel documents, and carry-on luggage in hand, now what? On your boarding pass there will be some important information: your boarding zone and your seat number. Patiently wait in the seating area for the gate agent to call your boarding zone. Once they call your zone approach the boarding line and have your boarding pass and ID ready (if you’re traveling internationally the ID you will need to have ready is your passport).  

Help the gate agent out by having your passport open to the photo page and if you’re using your phone for your boarding pass have the brightness all the way up for easy scanning. Once scanned onboard, head down to the aircraft to find your seat. Pay attention to the number and letter on your boarding pass. If you’re having trouble figuring out which seat is yours don’t be afraid to ask the flight attendant for assistance. Put your personal item under your seat and your carry-on bag in the overhead bin and get comfortable. 

For some people the hardest part is over; packing, navigating security, and getting settled in your seat. For others, the stressful part is just beginning. A fear of flying is a completely normal fear. Try to remember that flying is one of the safest ways to travel. There are around 45,000 flights per day in the United States alone with an average of 2.9 million passengers onboard daily according to the FAA (Air traffic by the numbers, 2024).

As a flight attendant, I can tell you that flying is safe, turbulence is more annoying than it is dangerous (as long as you stay seated with your seatbelt fastened when the seatbelt sign is on), and that every airline employee is trained to keep your safety and comfort as their top priority. If you’re a nervous flyer let the flight attendant know. Don’t be afraid to ask for a little extra information about the flight or anything you may need to ease your anxiety. Check out this article for some great apps to use to help any travel anxiety you may have.  

7. Enjoying the journey, not just the destination

Now that you’re settled in your seat and have everything you need right underneath your seat; it’s time to sit back and enjoy the ride. Hopefully your airline has some inflight entertainment available. Plug those headphones in that we packed earlier and start browsing the movie selection. If your flight doesn’t have inflight entertainment there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the flight. Downloading movies, music, games, or books to your phone is a great way to pass the time for flights without Wi-Fi. Going through your camera roll is another great way to pass the time. From facemasks to colouring, to crocheting, I’ve seen it all. The fun doesn’t have to start when you get to your destination, but if you’re looking to pass the time in a different way the quickest way to do so is sleep as much as possible. Sleeping on the plane not only helps pass the time, it also helps prevent jet lag so you can hit the ground running when you get to your next adventure.  

I hope all these tips and tricks help you feel ready to take on your first time flying with confidence and ease.